How to merge layers without change the image?

[Valentina ♡]

Hello, I have a question, there's a way to merge layers (CTRL + E) without change the image?

I need to put all layers in one and flat the image, leaving only the background and the very fist photo not merged.

I placed in the background a photo and with other layers I did some modification (adding lights and smudge the image)  in separated layers, one for example for hair , one for other details etc..)

After I finish adding lights and things I wanted to add over the original photo, I wanted to unite all the layers :

I selected all 3 layers and merge them with CTRL +E

But, it come out always in this way:

I would like the merge all layers, there's a way to have one single image, without this effect?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[hatstead · Accepted solution]

The keyboard shortcut CTRL+E is to merge down

To flatten the image (i.e. merge all visible layers) use Shift+CTRL+E

[Jeff Arola]

A couple of things to try:

1. View your image at 100% Actual Pixels before merging the layers

    View>Actual Pixels or Ctrl+1

2. Select the Group (Sketch color) plus the two layers then Merge.

Does either one work in maintaining the look your expecting?

[Jeff Arola]

Another thing to try is select the Sketch color Group then go to Layer>Simplify Layer

I believe the issue is that photoshop elements is missing command Merge Group like Photoshop CC has, so Simplifying the Group seems to do the same thing.

[Valentina ♡]

I can confirm, I've tried also this, but don't  change the situation, unfortunately *O* 

[Valentina ♡]

Thank you for the help.
Oh ok, in the case I need to flat totally the image, it's Shift + ctrl + e

In my case, I need to flat everything but not the original photo (in my document it's called "Luminosità/contrasto 1" and the background.
But I think is normal it appear in that way, as it merge only the layers with my brush effects/drawings/smudges modifications. 

So, if I understood correctly: 

If I select only the layers of modifications:
(this is the 100% size of the document)  (ctrl + 1) 

It will always come out on 'surface' only the modifications and these as are 'merged' now, they will  overlapping everything is in the layers below it:  

So the only thing I can do, is (if there is no other ways) is that I will select not only the layers with the modifications but also the first  image "Luminosità/contrasto 1" and then I will merge them:

and that way, if I merge also the first photo, then it will be all merged together and it will not show the modifications anymore:

But since I need to preserve the first image as the original, then I think I will have to duplicate the first image, and then merge it with layers, so I will have the 'backup' of my first image that I want to keep (and deactivated this layers ) without modifications just for see as reference (before and after).

Thanks for the informations I will add in my notes also for other situations!

[hatstead]

1. It is a good idea to save a copy of the original image file in case you wish to enhance it subsequently as you gain more experience.

2. If you have multiple layers as a result of editing, you can be selective as to which layers to combine.

a. Open a blank layer at the top of the stack of layers

b. In the layers palette, shut off the visibility of the layers that you do not wish to incorporate (left click on the layer icon)

c. With the Blank layer at the top active, press CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+E. This creates a "stamp visible" layer

d. The below layers are still preserved, so if you are not happy with the result in step c, simply delete it and start over/fix it.